The secret of the Greek hoplite’s success undoubtedly lies in the cutting-edge, unprecedented equipment that this new class of soldier opted to employ and utilize at the advent of hoplite warfare in Greece. It seems quite likely that the great versatility afforded to the hoplite was an integral part of their success on the battlefield. Because the hoplites were trained with the equipment they would later employ in mind, they were quickly able to learn to maneuver with the equipment in mind, and thus were able to master the concise art of fighting, whilst simultaneously reducing their weaknesses, and so were able to essentially dominate the battlefield of Greece unrivaled.
The hoplite helmet is undoubtedly the most recognizable piece of Greek battle equipment and the notoriety associated with the hoplite helmet is well earned. Modern estimates claim that the helmet itself was created in the late eighth century BCE, specifically around the year 700. It would continue to develop through the years as various Greeks continued to theorize and innovate new additions to the helmet that afforded better protection and increased visibility. Notably, it is quite likely that the hoplite helmet was so widely accepted and adopted from the beginning because of its comparatively simple creation process, as the helmet was fashioned from a single piece of bronze. However, as previously stated, the original product was not a perfect accessory for the hoplite in any way. Whilst the helmets original form provided great protection (it perfectly encapsulated the whole of the skull from the top of the neck upwards), it also greatly limited the hoplites ability to see and hear. Because of this, various modifications to the original Corinthian helmet would be employed. Yet with every innovation utilized to afford the hoplite heightened senses, additional protection would be removed to compensate, thus making the hoplite more vulnerable to facial attack (Sage 26).
The hoplon, a large and versatile circular shield, was also a supremely important piece of equipment to the hoplite soldier. It served to act as both an offensive and defensive weapon. It is important to note this distinction, as the hoplon played an integral role in the othismos, a mass shove against the enemy forces that took place when the two armies coalesced and was often the ultimate deciding factor in regards to the outcome (Hanson 15). The shield, developed around the year 700 BCE and constructed with a wooden internal frame, was often convex in shape and had a length that measured roughly three to four feet. The hoplon featured several innovations. The porpax for example, an armband located in the center of the back of the shield, was used to house the left arm, typically up to the elbow, and was detachable. The antilabe, a leather covering that ran around the edge of the shield, was then gripped by the left hand, and ultimately allowed for a tighter and more controlled grip that optimally distributed the weight of the shield, giving the hoplite an advantage in defensive measures. Finally, it is important to note that one major detriment of the shield was, as it was held in the left hand of the hoplite, the right side of the hoplite would be left unprotected, lest covered by a comrade in arms, as was often the case (Sage 26).
Finally, other protective equipment was fashioned by Greek innovators to provide increased protection to their hoplite militaries. A plate corselet that could further be broken down into two separate pieces of armor; notably provided increased protection to the chest and back, respectively. Like most of the hoplite equipment, the corselet was created with bronze, and was shaped like a bell, providing protection to the lower body of the hoplite warrior. While widely accepted at the time, the corselet was heavily criticized for its weight, and eventually lighter variations of the armor would be provided prior to the Persian Wars at the start of the fifth century BCE (Sage 26). So, it seems that the corselet, helmet, and shield were necessary and character-defining features of the hoplite, and it is these pieces of armor that would go on to prove the hoplite warrior as a fearsome and unmatchable force of war.
While examining hoplite warfare, it is important to note that the Greeks innovated not only in the defensive department, but the offensive aspect was also redefined. The primary offensive weapon of war employed by hoplites was the spear; a fusing of wood and metal that created a deadly weapon of war. The spear was typically six and a half to ten feet in length, and it usually was equipped with an iron head, as well as a butt spike. This would allow the spear to stand freely while resting on the ground, as well as provide a backup weapon if the front tip were to be broken off in battle (Hanson 22-23). The hoplite also was equipped with a short sword that could be utilized in close hand-to-hand fighting, should the battle progress to such a stage. This small and maneuverable sword was less bulky and a much lighter weapon that could be utilized to swiftly cut down enemies in close-quarter engagements (Sage 26).
In conclusion, the equipment employed by hoplite soldiers was likely a large reason for their success. It seems that the Greeks managed to perfect the balance of armor weight and maneuverability, and thus were able to maximize their efforts when it came to devastating enemy forces. It is also important to note that the distinct look of the hoplite warrior has remained a cultural icon to this day, and so it is not likely that the legacy of Greek and, more specifically hoplite warfare, will ever truly fade from the public conscience.
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